TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA

Asclepias tuberosa, Milkweed, Flame Weed, Butterfly Weed, Gay Butterflies, Pleurisy Root

Asclepias tuberosa

Milkweed, Flame Weed, Butterfly Weed, Gay Butterflies, Pleurisy Root
Family: Apocynaceae    (Formerly:Asclepiadaceae)
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Origin: North America
USDA Zone: 3-9?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapSmall plant 2-5 ftFull sunDry conditionsYellow, orange flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersPoisonous or toxicPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Irritating plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeSeaside, salt tolerant plant

The extremely bright color make it easy to spot. Like most milkweeds the juice is milky white. Long bloom period from late spring throughout the summer. Flowers are a nectar source for many butterflies and leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly larvae (caterpillars). Drought-tolerant. Listed in the U. S. Pharmacopeia in the 19th century the root was once widely used for lung problems such as asthma and bronchitis. Contains cardiac glycosides which are toxic in large amounts.


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Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/asclepias_tuberosa.htm